Tonight, Newport Beach City Council will vote on whether or not to Censure Scott Peotter for his bigoted comments last month in a communication containing the city seal. Denunciation of his remarks in the wake of the Supreme Court verdict on marriage equality would not be without precedent. The council censured fellow member, Dick Nichols, in 2003 for racist commentary.

Kevin O’Grady, Executive Director of The LGBTQ Center of Orange County has issued the following call-to-action:

“The LGBTQ Center OC is urging all decent people to call upon the council to vote in favor of censure; particularly Diane Dixon, who could be the swing vote.  You can call her office at (949) 287-9211, contact her via her website (http://dianedixon2014.com/contact.php), or e-mail her directly (DDixon@NewportBeachCa.gov). The LGBTQ Center OC is assured that free speech has a home in Newport Beach, but bigotry must not.  Not taking action is akin to acquiescence of a statement that the annihilation of LGBTQ people was a certainty. If the council doesn’t vote to censure Peotter, the LGBTQ community cannot, in good conscience, support it.”

O’Grady refers specifically to Peotter’s comment that states “I do find it interesting that the homosexual movement adopted the rainbow as their symbol, as it was God’s symbol that he wouldn’t destroy the world by flood again. … Maybe they are ‘wishful thinking.’”

For 44 years The LGBTQ Center OC has been advocating on behalf of the Orange County LGBTQQ community, working to ensure its well-being through a wide variety of programs. The second-oldest institution of its kind in the country, the LBT Center OC offers high-quality mental health services; community support groups; a cyber center; LGBTQQ cultural competency training; seniors services; youth programs; and HIV prevention, education and counseling—and much more. Visit us on the web at www.lgbtqcenteroc.org.

 

Read More in these Publications:

OC Weekly

Los Angeles Times: Newport Beach councilman who criticized gay marriage could face reprimand

Los Angeles Times: Newport Beach councilman criticized for sending email blast over same-sex marriage

Orange County Register

Daily Pilot

Voice OC